If this is your first visit, be sure to
check out the FAQ by clicking the
link above. You may have to register
before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. To start viewing messages,
select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below.

SBB Question

Screen Bottom Boards from Kelley's have a removable screen. how important is that? If I make some SBB why can't I just staple the mesh to the bottom and make it non-removable? (oh bty i am using cedar- been reading the cedar thread)

Re: SBB Question

Removable screen?? Do you mean removable bottom?? From my understanding, if the bottom is not removed the mites will just walk back into the hive. If the bottom is open, they fall on the ground and won't make it back in.

Re: SBB Question

Kyfarmer, make your sbb's, and staple the screen. However, make it in such a way that you can use a removable sticky board, and removable piece of plywood for a winter bottom board if you so desire in the future. It is easier to build it that way, and not use the removable solid bottom feature, than it is to want to slide a piece of thin plywood in, closing the bottom, and not being able to. At any rate, you'll want to be able to slide a sticky board in to check mite fall.
Regards,
Steven

"If all you have is a hammer, the whole world is a nail." - A.H. Maslow

Re: SBB Question

I did the same thing. I've removed and cleaned my screens twice in about six weeks. I have the sticky boards in for the winter and I clean off debris when I visit the hives.

I like being able to pull the screens to keep things clean.

Kelley's #57-O has a landing board that is angled right up to the side pieces making it difficult to install a robbing screen. I don't think the model #57-A would hold up as well if legs were attached, but they look nice for $20